Ruggedized fiber optic connectors and connection systems

Abstract

Example fiber optic connector systems have rugged, robust designs that are environmentally sealed and that are relatively easy to install and uninstall in the field. Some connector systems can be configured in the field to be compatible with different styles of fiber optic adapters. Some connectors include a first seal (90) on a release sleeve; and a second seal (88) between the release sleeve and a connector body. Other connectors include a seal (139) and a flexible latch (136) on a connector. Other connectors include a protective structure (228, 328, 428) that mounts over the fiber optic connector. Other connectors include a protective outer shell (528, 860) and a sealing and attachment insert (570, 570A, 876). Other connectors include a protective outer shell (728) and a fastener (780).

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A fiber optic connection system for selective use with a first ruggedized fiber optic adapter and a second ruggedized fiber optic adapter, the fiber optic connection system comprising:
 an elongate connector core including a core housing extending from a front end defining a plug portion to a rear end through which a fiber of a cable extends into the core housing, the core housing at least partially enclosing a ferrule at the front end, the ferrule supporting an optical fiber of the cable; 
 a flexible member mounted to the elongate connector core at the rear end of the core housing; 
 a ruggedized exterior assembly configured to be mounted over the elongate connector core, the ruggedized exterior assembly including a shroud having a forward end that includes a keying arrangement for rotationally keying the shroud relative to the first ruggedized fiber optic adapter, the ruggedized exterior assembly also including a ruggedized fastening element for securing the ruggedized exterior assembly to the first ruggedized fiber optic adapter, the ruggedized exterior assembly being usable in combination with the elongate connector core to make the fiber optic connection system compatible with the first ruggedized fiber optic adapter; 
 the elongate connector core having a form factor compatible with the second ruggedized fiber optic adapter without an intermediate shroud, wherein the elongate connector core is configured to be mounted in sealed relation with the second ruggedized fiber optic adapter; and 
 a seal mounted on an exterior of the core housing at a location rearward of a longitudinal midpoint of the elongate connector core, the seal being configured to provide sealing between the core housing and the shroud of the ruggedized exterior assembly when the ruggedized exterior assembly is mounted over the elongate connector core. 
 
     
     
       2. The fiber optic connection system of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible member includes a boot. 
     
     
       3. The fiber optic connection system of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate connector core includes a spring disposed within the core housing to bias the ferrule forwardly. 
     
     
       4. The fiber optic connection system of  claim 1 , wherein a majority of the ferrule is disposed within the core housing. 
     
     
       5. The fiber optic connection system of  claim 1 , wherein the seal includes an O-ring. 
     
     
       6. The fiber optic connection system of  claim 1 , wherein the seal is disposed in an annular groove. 
     
     
       7. The fiber optic connection system of  claim 1 , wherein the keying arrangement of the shroud includes a pair of paddles disposed at opposite sides of the ferrule, the paddles extending beyond the front end of the elongate connector core. 
     
     
       8. The fiber optic connection system of  claim 1 , wherein the ruggedized fastening element is a twist-to-lock fastener. 
     
     
       9. The fiber optic connection system of  claim 8 , wherein the twist-to-lock fastener has external threads. 
     
     
       10. The fiber optic connection system of  claim 1 , wherein the core housing includes a plurality of pieces. 
     
     
       11. The fiber optic connection system of  claim 1 , wherein the cable is anchored to the core housing using a shape memory sleeve. 
     
     
       12. A fiber optic connection system for selective use with a first ruggedized fiber optic adapter and a second ruggedized fiber optic adapter, the fiber optic connection system comprising:
 an elongate connector core including a core housing extending from a front end defining a plug portion to a rear end through which a fiber of a cable extends into the core housing, the core housing at least partially enclosing a ferrule at the front end, the ferrule supporting an optical fiber of the cable, the core housing also enclosing a spring configured to bias the ferrule outwardly from the core housing; 
 a flexible member mounted to the elongate connector core at the rear end of the core housing; 
 a ruggedized exterior assembly configured to be mounted over the elongate connector core, the ruggedized exterior assembly including a shroud having a forward end that includes a keying arrangement for rotationally keying the shroud relative to the first ruggedized fiber optic adapter, the ruggedized exterior assembly also including a ruggedized fastening element for securing the ruggedized exterior assembly to the first ruggedized fiber optic adapter, the ruggedized exterior assembly being usable in combination with the elongate connector core to make the fiber optic connection system compatible with the first ruggedized fiber optic adapter; 
 the elongate connector core having a form factor compatible with the second ruggedized fiber optic adapter without an intermediate shroud, wherein the elongate connector core is configured to be mounted in sealed relation with the second ruggedized fiber optic adapter; and 
 a seal mounted on an exterior of the core housing, the seal being configured to provide sealing between the core housing and the shroud of the ruggedized exterior assembly when the ruggedized exterior assembly is mounted over the elongate connector core. 
 
     
     
       13. The fiber optic connection system of  claim 12 , wherein the flexible member includes a boot. 
     
     
       14. The fiber optic connection system of  claim 12 , wherein a majority of the ferrule is disposed within the core housing. 
     
     
       15. The fiber optic connection system of  claim 12 , wherein the seal includes an O-ring disposed in an annular groove. 
     
     
       16. The fiber optic connection system of  claim 12 , wherein the ruggedized fastening element is a twist-to-lock fastener. 
     
     
       17. A fiber optic connection system for selective use with a first ruggedized fiber optic adapter and a second ruggedized fiber optic adapter, the fiber optic connection system comprising:
 an elongate connector core including a core housing extending from a front end defining a plug portion to a rear end through which a fiber of a cable extends into the core housing, the core housing enclosing a majority of a ferrule so that only a portion of the ferrule extends outwardly from the core housing at the front end, the ferrule supporting an optical fiber of the cable, the core housing also enclosing a spring configured to bias the ferrule outwardly from the core housing; 
 a strain-relief boot mounted to the elongate connector core at the rear end of the core housing; 
 a ruggedized exterior assembly configured to be mounted over the elongate connector core, the ruggedized exterior assembly including a shroud having a forward end that includes a keying arrangement for rotationally keying the shroud relative to the first ruggedized fiber optic adapter, the ruggedized exterior assembly also including a ruggedized fastening element for securing the ruggedized exterior assembly to the first ruggedized fiber optic adapter, the ruggedized exterior assembly being usable in combination with the elongate connector core to make the fiber optic connection system compatible with the first ruggedized fiber optic adapter; 
 the elongate connector core having a form factor compatible with the second ruggedized fiber optic adapter without an intermediate shroud, wherein the elongate connector core is configured to be mounted in sealed relation with the second ruggedized fiber optic adapter; and 
 a seal mounted within an annular groove at an exterior of the core housing, the seal being configured to provide sealing between the core housing and the shroud of the ruggedized exterior assembly when the ruggedized exterior assembly is mounted over the elongate connector core. 
 
     
     
       18. The fiber optic connection system of  claim 17 , wherein the seal includes an O-ring. 
     
     
       19. The fiber optic connection system of  claim 17 , wherein the seal is disposed at a location rearward of a longitudinal midpoint of the elongate connector core. 
     
     
       20. The fiber optic connection system of  claim 17 , wherein the ruggedized fastening element is a twist-to-lock fastener.